The small aircraft came down about 25 yards offshore after developing an engine problem, according to Pinellas County authorities.
DUNEDIN, FL — Two people escaped with minor injuries after a small plane experiencing engine trouble made an emergency landing in the water near Honeymoon Island State Park, authorities said.
Emergency crews were dispatched at about 12:38 p.m. Saturday, July 11, after receiving reports that an aircraft was experiencing a problem while in flight. The plane landed in shallow water about 25 yards from shore, allowing both occupants to leave the aircraft and reach land before first responders arrived.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said the plane experienced an engine problem that forced the emergency landing. Officials had not released further details about the mechanical issue or identified the people aboard the aircraft as of Monday.
Firefighters and emergency medical workers evaluated the two occupants after they reached shore. Authorities said both sustained minor injuries and no serious injuries were reported. Information about whether either person required additional medical treatment was not immediately released.
Dunedin Fire Rescue initially reported that crews saw no visible signs of fuel entering the surrounding water during an inspection of the aircraft. The Sheriff’s Office later said marine units had identified a small fuel leak. Officials did not immediately describe the amount of fuel involved or any cleanup measures.
The landing prompted a response from several local, state and federal agencies. Those assisting included the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, Florida State Parks and regional public safety agencies.
Crews remained involved in assessing the aircraft and arranging its removal from the water. The plane’s registration, ownership and flight path were not immediately confirmed by authorities in information released after the landing.
Officials also had not disclosed where the flight began, where it was headed or how long the aircraft had been experiencing trouble before it came down. No injuries were reported among people at the state park or others in the water nearby.
The emergency landing remained under investigation Monday. Additional information was expected after aviation authorities and responding agencies examined the aircraft and reviewed the circumstances that led to the engine problem.
Author note: Last updated July 13, 2026.